[happyjack]

look for a 2016 or newer 228/230 ix. make sure you get an M sport or sportline model so you will have the upgraded sport seats.

i daily drive (pre-Covid) 100 miles r/t on DC beltway. i love my 228ix sportline. the ONLY reason for going with a 2016 model is to avoid the N20 engine. i have 85K miles on mine and want to keep it for the long haul, so i'm about to take the plunge on the timing chain kit -- strictly preventative. otherwise it has be completely rock solid and fun to drive...my favorite of the 10 bimmers i have ever owned.

the problem with going E90 or older models is that there will constantly be wear and tear items that need to be replaced. i also have an e90 325xi and it's the car i bought for my kids. it's a great, safe car but there's always something to do on it...minor stuff like trim pieces, gaskets, seals, window regulators, fuses, etc that need replacing / fixing. it's been a good way for me to teach my kids how to properly maintain a car and learn to fix things themselves...but it would be an absolute pain to keep up if you're driving 25,000 miles per year...